Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th anniversary of the wreck of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald on November 10, 1975, and the 29 crewmates who tragically lost their lives off the shores of Lake Superior.

Nicknamed ``The Pride of the American Side,'' the Edmund Fitzgerald was the largest ship on North America's Great Lakes when it was launched on June 7, 1958. For 17 years, the ship carried taconite from mines in Minnesota to Michigan, Ohio, and various other Great Lakes ports. The ship earned a reputation as a workhorse--becoming the first ship to carry one million tons of ore through the Soo Locks in a year-- and set the record for single-trip tonnage, carrying more than twenty- seven thousand tons of ore in one voyage. Despite all these accolades, the ship is most remembered for what happened on that fateful November night.

The Edmund Fitzgerald embarked on its final mission on the afternoon of November 9, 1975, carrying a fall cargo from Superior, Wisconsin, towards Zug Island in Detroit alongside the S.S. Arthur M. Anderson. On November 10th, the ships were caught in a hurricane-like storm, facing 25-to-30-foot waves and wind speeds of nearly 100 miles per hour. With the Edmund Fitzgerald struggling to navigate the storm, the captains of both ships agreed to seek refuge in Whitefish Bay, off the coast of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Shortly after 7:10 p.m., just 17 miles from Whitefish Bay, the Edmund Fitzgerald sank to the bottom of Lake Superior. The ship remains there today, more than 500 feet below the surface of the Great Lakes.

Mr. Speaker, as we commemorate this somber anniversary, let us remember the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of the Edmund Fitzgerald's crew. Their story endures as a lasting reminder of the strength and spirit of those who live and work on the Great Lakes, and of the deep connection between our people and these powerful waters.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Valerie Prehoda for being inducted into the Michigan Tech Presidential Council of Alumnae. This well-deserved honor reflects her steadfast dedication to her fellow Servicemembers, the communities throughout the Upper Peninsula, and our Nation.

Ms. Prehoda graduated from Michigan Tech in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences, concentrating on archaeology. To help pay her way through school, she worked at the university's copper mine while remaining engaged in many extracurricular activities. She was a member of the soccer, gymnastics, and women's hockey teams while also participating in MTU Aquanauts and assisting in SCUBA instruction.

Following her graduation in 1983, Ms. Prehoda was accepted into the United States Marine Corps as an officer. After 10 years of active duty, she was transferred to the reserves, where she served as museum director and Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act coordinator for the Cocopah tribe in Arizona. In 2001, Ms. Prehoda was redeployed following the invasion of Iraq. There she completed two combat tours, surviving a missile attack in northern Kuwait in March 2003, and retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 2016 after 30 years of civil and military service.

Throughout her distinguished career, Ms. Prehoda received a plethora of awards and commendations, including, but not limited to, a Joint Service Achievement Medal, a Navy Unit Commendation with a bronze star, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and a Presidential Unit Citation for OIF combat support. Upon retiring, Ms. Prehoda continues to serve her country through memberships in various Veteran organizations such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Marine Corps League, and many more.

Mr. Speaker, let us all join in recognizing Valerie Prehoda for receiving the prestigious honor of being inducted into the Michigan Tech Presidential Council of Alumnae. I thank her for her enduring commitment to Veterans, her community, and our great country.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Donald Maki for being inducted into the Upper Peninsula Labor Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor reflects Mr. Maki's remarkable impact and contributions to worker dignity and workplace fairness.

Throughout his life Mr. Maki has embodied integrity, diligence, and a steadfast commitment to fairness. Growing up on his family farm, he worked diligently for hours on end to ensure the success of his family's business. It was those early mornings and hours spent bailing hay that he said contributed to the strong work ethic he carries with him today.

After graduating from Hancock Public Schools in 1975, Mr. Maki earned an associate's degree in criminal justice from Suomi College, followed by a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Northern Michigan University. While at NMU he worked multiple jobs as a student building supervisor, apartment manager, and at Public Service Garage to help finance his studies. Upon graduating from NMU in 1979, he began a dedicated career as a full-time police officer with the Norway City Police Department. He was elected chapter chair of Norway City Employees, a chapter of Local Union No. 1176, a testament to his deep- rooted commitment to workplace fairness and worker dignity.

Following his service in law enforcement, Mr. Maki began working with AFSCME, where he mentored countless workers, negotiated contracts, and strengthened the voice of public employees. At the turn of the 21st century, he continued his service working as a Federal Mediator and Conciliation Services Commissioner. He helped labor and management find common ground through respect, communication, and collaboration. His mediation and training efforts supported fair labor relations, preserved vital jobs, and fostered long-term economic stability across the Great Lakes region.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Donald Maki for being inducted into the Upper Peninsula Labor Hall of Fame. I thank him for his dedication, compassion, and selflessness on behalf of Michigan's 1st Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Thomas Hogan for being inducted into the Upper Peninsula Labor Hall of Fame. A proud U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Purple Heart recipient, Mr. Hogan brought the same courage, perseverance, and sense of duty he demonstrated in Vietnam to his lifelong commitment to Michigan's working men and women.

Following his service with the United States Marine Corps, Mr. Hogan began his career as an apprentice with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, ascending through the ranks from journeyman to Business Manager of Local 1070. Over the course of 25 years, he negotiated contracts that improved wages, strengthened workplace safety, and upheld the dignity of electrical workers across Michigan's Upper Peninsula. His dedication towards empowering Michigan's electricians helped strengthen apprenticeship programs, protect pensions, and solidify equal pay for equal work.

Mr. Hogan played an integral role in the creation of IBEW Local 906, which united electrical workers across fourteen counties and laid a stronger, more equitable foundation for future generations of electricians. His steadfast commitment to ensuring the fair treatment of electricians across the U.P. helped eliminate wage disparities, expand training opportunities, and improve cooperation between labor and management with the U.P. Construction Council.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Thomas Hogan for his induction into the Upper Peninsula Labor Hall of Fame and thank him for his decades of dedicated service to his fellow electricians, to the Upper Peninsula, and to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 102nd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkiye. On October 29, 1923, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk proclaimed the establishment of the Republic, ushering in a new era of modernization and progress for the Turkish people. Today, we honor more than a century of friendship, alliance, and cooperation between the United States and Turkiye.

The relationship between our two nations has been anchored in shared strategic interests and enduring partnership, particularly through our joint commitment to NATO. As allies, the United States and Turkiye have worked together to promote regional stability, strengthen transatlantic security, and advance the values of freedom and democracy. Our collaboration continues to play a vital role in addressing global challenges--from counterterrorism and defense cooperation to humanitarian efforts and energy security.

Our bilateral economic relationship is also significant and growing. Trade between the United States and Turkiye reached nearly $33 billion in 2024, underscoring the strong commercial ties that benefit both nations. Here in Michigan, Turkish-American trade and investment have contributed to local growth and job creation--totaling approximately $545 million in 2024 alone. From advanced manufacturing and automotive partnerships to agricultural exports, the economic link between Michigan and Turkiye continues to strengthen our state's role in the global economy.

Equally important are the contributions of Turkish Americans to our society. Turkish Americans enrich our communities through their entrepreneurial spirit, cultural traditions, academic and scientific achievements, and civic engagement. Their success reflects the shared values of opportunity and perseverance that define both our nations.

Mr. Speaker, as we mark this milestone in the history of the Republic of Turkiye, I extend my best wishes to Turkish Americans in Michigan and across the United States, and to the people of Turkiye. May the friendship between our nations continue to grow stronger in the years ahead, rooted in mutual respect, shared prosperity, and a steadfast commitment to peace and security.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ottawa Post 3134 for their 80 years of dedicated service to the Veteran community of the Iron River area.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), established in 1899, is an organization of United States Veterans who fought in wars on foreign land, water, or airspace. For over a century, the organization has steadfastly supported the needs of our Nation's disabled and impoverished Veterans, as well as widows of Veterans and the dependents of former Servicemembers.

This historic organization was born from the unification of several communities following the Spanish-American War. Small groups of Veterans returning from campaigns in Cuba and the Philippine Islands formed local communities composed of those who shared the dangers faced while in combat. Eventually, these small, localized societies found each other, culminating in the creation of the American Veterans of Foreign Service (the predecessor to the VFW) founded by James C. Putnam, a Veteran of the Spanish-American War.

On October 17, 1945, the petition charter was granted to form VFW Ottawa Post 3134 to support Veterans returning from World War II. Since then, they have provided a wide range of services, including assistance with VA benefits, community outreach, financial support for Veterans in need, and programs to honor the sacrifices of those who served. Today, Post 3134 continues to serve the needs of Veterans from its surrounding communities under the leadership of its Commander, Jesse Casari.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize VFW Ottawa Post 3134 for their 80 years of service to the Veteran community of the Iron River area. I thank them for their dedication, compassion, and selflessness on behalf of our Upper Peninsula Veterans.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Mr. Michael A. Tarr for being named the 2025 Marquette County Veteran of the Year. This well-deserved honor reflects his steadfast dedication to his fellow Servicemembers, the communities throughout the Upper Peninsula, and our Nation.

Mr. Tarr faithfully served 26 years in the U.S. Army, earning numerous military decorations including, but not limited to, the Army Commendation Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, NATO Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon. These honors stand as a testament to Mr. Tarr's unwavering dedication to his fellow Servicemembers and our great Nation.

After retiring from the U.S. Army, Mr. Tarr continued to serve his community, fellow Veterans, and country as a member of numerous Veteran organizations. Serving as a National Committee Member and Volunteer Director for Wish for Our Heroes (W4OH) since 2012, he has invested innumerable hours in helping Servicemembers and Veterans who are facing financial hardships. Playing a key role in fundraising for W4OH, he has been essential in raising over $15 million and granting over 20,000 wishes across our country. Mr. Tarr also serves as Executive Director for Walk Among Heroes, leading operations to return WWII Veterans to battlefields they once fought on by coordinating all travel, lodging, and transportation. In addition to helping share the stories of WWII Veterans, he has had the distinct honor of leading battlefield walks for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans.

Mr. Tarr has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to ensuring that the sacrifices of our Nation's heroes are not forgotten by future generations. In 2025, he launched the Walk Among Heroes Youth Ambassador Program where high school students walk the grounds of historic battlefields while learning from WWII Veterans.

Mr. Speaker, let us all join in recognizing Michael A. Tarr for receiving the prestigious honor of being named the 2025 Marquette County Veteran of the Year. I thank him for his enduring commitment to Veterans, his community, and our great country.

Mr. Speaker, in small towns and communities across America, rural hospitals are critical lifelines. They provide emergency care, support seniors and veterans, deliver behavioral health services, assist mothers who are giving birth, supply pharmacy services, and serve as major local employers.

Yet, many rural hospitals are under serious strain. Nearly half are operating at negative margins. Since 2010, more than 150 rural hospitals have cut inpatient services or closed their doors permanently, including some in northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

These closures aren't happening because communities don't need care but because the financial reality of providing it in rural America keeps getting tougher.

When a rural hospital closes, families face hours-long drives in emergency situations, expectant mothers lose access to obstetric care, and seniors suffering from a heart attack or a stroke may arrive too late.

As we mark National Rural Health Day this week, we must renew and strengthen our commitment to rural hospitals by ensuring fair reimbursement, strengthening telehealth and infrastructure, and preserving access to critical resources like the 340B drug program, a key revenue stream for rural hospitals.

Rural hospitals must not only survive but thrive. We need to keep that because it is not about ZIP Codes.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and honor Camilla ``Cam'' Williams for her extraordinary dedication, service, and unwavering commitment to the Republican Party and to our shared conservative values.

For well over a decade, Cam has been a faithful Republican precinct delegate and a constant presence in efforts to support Republican candidates at the local, state, and national level. She has given countless hours of her time to ensure that our Party's message is heard and that our candidates have the support they need to succeed.

Cam has set records in the State of Michigan for the most phone calls made in support of Republican candidates, an achievement that demonstrates not only her dedication, but also her determination to connect with voters and strengthen our Nation through grassroots engagement. She has given thousands of hours of volunteer service, never asking for recognition or reward. Her work has been marked by passion, humility, and humor. Through her vigor and tireless spirit, she has shown us all what it means to serve faithfully.

Cam embodies the very best of what it means to be a Patriot, someone who works not for personal gain, but out of love for her community, her country, and the values that have guided generations of Americans. The positive impact of her service is felt across Michigan and beyond and will continue to inspire future leaders in our movement.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Michigan's 1st Congressional District, I thank Camilla Williams for her service, her leadership, and her enduring commitment to the conservative cause.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center for 75 years of service to Veterans across the Upper Peninsula.

Since first opening its doors in 1950 to provide care for returning World War II Veterans, the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center has stood as a pillar of support to those who have worn the uniform of our Nation. At that time, it was the largest construction project ever undertaken in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, opening with an inpatient capacity of 264 beds. Over the past 75 years, it has grown and adapted to meet the changing needs of our Veterans. Today it proudly serves nearly 22,000 Veterans across the 15 counties of the Upper Peninsula, the most rural patient base in the entire VA system.

The Medical Center's reach and impact are made possible by a dedicated team of more than 830 fulltime employees and 250 volunteers, 125 of which are drivers who transport patients to the facility from around the region. It offers a variety of services to former service members including a community living center, a chapel, primary and urgent care, surgery, specialty care, dental, audiology, and plans to have a permanent MRI by 2026.

Mr. Speaker, let us all join in recognizing the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center on celebrating their 75th Anniversary. I express my deep gratitude for its enduring commitment to the Veterans of the Upper Peninsula.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize my friend, Mr. David Williams, for being awarded the Best Community Banking Award for 2025 by the Community Bankers of Michigan. This prestigious and well- deserved distinction reflects his dedication to Michigan's banking industry and his tireless contributions to communities throughout Michigan's 1st Congressional District.

Mr. Williams' long and distinguished career in banking began at a small community bank in Houghton, before spending 25 years working for larger financial institutions in Ohio and lower Michigan. Throughout those years, he remained committed to a personal goal: returning to the Upper Peninsula to manage and grow a community bank.

For the past 25 years, Mr. Williams has led Upper Peninsula State Bank with steadfast commitment to both customer service and community engagement. His passion for serving his community extends beyond his day-to-day work, as reflected in his advocacy for the industry at both the state and federal levels. In addition to his role as President and CEO, he serves as a Michigan Federal Delegate for the Independent Community Bankers of America and is a long-time member of FIS's Strategic Planning Advisory Council.

Mr. Speaker, let us join in recognizing Mr. David Williams for receiving the distinguished Best Community Banking Award for 2025. I thank him for his enduring commitment to Michigan's 1st Congressional District and his invaluable contributions to our great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to recognize Mr. John Moddie on his 100th birthday and to commend him for his valiant service with the United States Army as a member of the 590th Field Artillery Battalion, 106th Infantry Division during World War II.

At just 18 years old, while working as a stock clerk at Peterson Boat Works in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, Mr. Moddie answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army. Following basic training at Camp Roberts, California, he was assigned to B Battery of the 590th Field Artillery Battalion, 106th Infantry Division at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. Excelling in his training on the 105 mm Howitzer, Mr. Moddie set sail for England to prepare for deployment to the Western Front.

On the morning of November 30, 1944, Mr. Moddie and his battalion crossed the English Channel to Le Havre, France, where they awaited orders to move up the Seine River into Germany to take part in what would become the Battle of the Bulge--the second-most deadly battle of the war for American troops. On December 19, 1944, he was captured by German forces and held at Stalag 9B in Bad Orb, Germany, as a prisoner of war. Despite enduring extreme conditions and losing nearly half his body weight, he survived until liberation by Allied forces on April 2, 1945.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Moddie's life is a testament to courage, sacrifice, and patriotism. Let us honor him for his extraordinary service to our Nation, his devotion to his fellow servicemembers, and his steadfast commitment to family and community. On behalf of Michigan's 1st Congressional District, I wish him a joyous 100th birthday and extend the gratitude of a Nation, he so bravely served.

Madam Chair, I thank the chairman for yielding.

Madam Chair, I rise in support today of the National Defense Authorization Act. This bill is painstakingly thorough with over 900 amendments considered, over 13 hours of markup deliberations, and a final passage vote in committee of 55-2.

I am proud to offer my voice in support of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.

In the Readiness Subcommittee, this bill addresses some of the largest readiness challenges in the Department, including a specific focus on the Joint Strike Fighter and amphibious ship readiness concerns.

This bill reestablishes safety as a culture and seeks to partially correct the mistakes that led up to the Black Hawk collision with a commercial airliner here at DCA earlier this year.

This bill seeks to foundationally reform the military construction process.

Finally, this bill remains focused on our servicemembers and their families during training, combat, and even periods of transition.

Madam Chair, this is a strong mark that sends a forceful signal of change. It places our military on a secure footing and, if necessary, enables it to win decisively in conflict.

I also thank Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith for their steadfast support in passing this bill, and I especially thank Ranking Member Garamendi for his continued bipartisan support of the Readiness Subcommittee.

Madam Chair, I urge all Members to vote ``yes'' on this important legislation.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Chair, I urge strong support for this amendment to increase penalties

for unauthorized access to DOD facilities.

In 2023, five Chinese nationals were caught in my district at Camp Grayling, Michigan, photographing military vehicles during allied exercises and attempting to conceal the evidence that they did take those photographs. This was not innocent trespassing. It was a deliberate act threatening servicemember safety and national security.

This was also not an isolated incident. Chinese nationals have also been caught near U.S. military installations in California and South Korea in recent years. Current law lacks deterrence. State trespass laws aren't sufficient for protecting Federal military sites.

The amendment creates clear Federal authority and escalating penalties to counter repeated or hostile intrusions. A slap on the wrist is not enough when foreign actors surveil U.S. military bases. Protecting our installations equals protecting readiness, our troops, and national security.

I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense measure to send a clear message: Trespassing on U.S. military property will not be tolerated.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 140th anniversary of Beth Shalom congregation. This historic synagogue, recognized as a state historical site, holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating synagogue in our state.

As the remote mill community of what would become Traverse City grew, three Jewish merchants--Julius Levinson, Julius Steinberg and Solomon Yalomstein--organized a congregation in 1882. It was Mr. Steinberg who originally purchased the land where the synagogue would be built, which initially served as a cemetery for the congregation's members. In 1885, the synagogue's first cornerstone was laid, and in March of 1886, the building was dedicated, masking the beginning of a lasting religious and cultural presence in Northern Michigan.

Over the following years, Beth Shalom congregation became not only a house of worship but also a beacon of service and advocacy. By the turn of the twentieth century, more than forty Jewish families were part of the community. Throughout the twentieth century, the congregation advocated for Jewish people across the world, helping a Jewish family fleeing Nazism in 1939 by raising funds for rescue and resettlement efforts. In 1970, the congregation campaigned on behalf of Jews persecuted in the Soviet Union, and in 1973, the congregation had its first woman president--symbolizing the synagogue's move towards gender equality.

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to commend Beth Shalom congregation on its 140th anniversary and for its unwavering support for the Jewish community across the globe. For well over a century, the congregation has stood as a pillar of faith, resilience, and community spirit. I offer my best wishes to the congregation as they continue their efforts to serve their neighbors and enrich the broader fabric of Northern Michigan.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate Robert and Linda McNeill on the occasion of their 25th wedding anniversary. It is with great pleasure and excitement that I share this wonderful news.

Robert, a man of integrity, loyalty, and strength, has devoted his life to family and loved ones. Linda, a kind and graceful soul, treasures her family values and cherishes every moment with those dearest to her.

Fate brought Robert and his beautiful wife, Linda, together at the Curwood festival in Owosso, Michigan. In a serendipitous moment, as he picked her up, their eyes locked, and their lifelong love began. Robert and Linda's story reached a cherished milestone on September 23, 2000, when they were united in marriage. Since then, they have raised three sons together and have continued to grow not just as individuals, but also as partners in life.

Love and marriage represent the joining of two hearts and lives, built on a foundation of trust, respect, and shared dreams. Robert and Linda embody the promise to stand together through life's joys and challenges, growing stronger as individuals and as partners. Their love story is a testament to the beauty of finding someone who not only inspires you but also walks beside you every step of the way.

Mr. Speaker, let us all join in congratulating Robert and Linda on this momentous milestone and celebration of their long-lasting love. I wish them boundless happiness, love, and success as they continue on their journey together.